Smart Home Lifestyle

May 19, 2007

High-tech gadgets can take the tedium out of road trips this summer

This summer, forget planes and trains, think automobiles for travel. Now that most gadgets are portable, kids are entertained longer and parents can choose their own iTunes- it’s not just about books on tape anymore. Here are some ways to make your travels more tolerable, so buckle up and enjoy your hi-tech ride.

Tunnel Vision

No more fighting for the front. Kids gladly take the back seat thanks to portable DVD players. The 2007 Honda Odyssey, named 2007 Family Car of the Year offers a DVD Rear Entertainment System and a heart-thumping stereo system. You even get a subwoofer, and XM satellite Radio in the Odyssey Touring model which runs under $37,000.

"The Odyssey delivers rational attributes like class-leading safety and versatility," said John Mendel, senior vice president of American Honda Motor Co, Inc. "But many minivan buyers also want an engaging driving experience and the Odyssey is the most fun-to-drive minivan around."

Not planning on trading in your car soon? How about investing in a portable DVD player? Directed Electronics (www.directedvideo.com) stands apart because it’s both a built-in and a portable unit. The Directed Electronics Portable Entertainment System (PES) looks like any other overhead car-video console, but its detachable feature let’s you take it “on the go.” Tired of transferring your DVDs from the car to your house? PES has a slot that lets you slide in and connect an iPod video.

On the beaten path

“When do we get there?” is now easily answered with a GPS unit, not to mention it’ll help you stay on track.

“The TomTom ONE has outsold every other portable navigation device in the world, a testament to the exceptional quality and design of your products,” said TomTom Inc president Jocelyn vigreaux. “The TomTom ONE XL has the same intuitive and easy to use form for which TomTom products are so well known.”

The new TomTom One XL (www.tomtom.com) offers a wider 4.3” screen for an expanded view of your surrounding area and all the great features of the original TomTom plus more, all for just under $400.

Worried about roadblocks? TomTom One quickly re-routes you. Want country roads to take you home? TomTom offers routing options including fastest, shortest, non-toll roads and highways.

TomTom One has built-in Bluetooth technology for TomTom PLUS services like real time traffic information, weather conditions, points of interest and scenic routes. It even has a buddy finder. This feature lets you locate other TomTom users while allowing instant messages.

Hooked up

Car rides don’t have to mean “pulling the plug” to your electronics- it’s all about the adaptors. Check out Magellan’s (www.magellans.com) for some great options. Got an iPod? Magellans’ universal iPod Navigator charges and plays your iPod in your car. Simply plug into your cigarette port and the navigator digitally transmits the music through the in-dash stereo speakers.

The Navigator costs just under $35 and works with all iPods including the Mini and Nano.

So, what happens when your laptop battery dies? Magellan’s 110 Watt adapters let you use your laptop, cell phone, DVD player or TV on the road. Just plug in the inverter into your car’s cigarette lighter for instant 120 volt AC power, like a standard three way plug in your walls.

And what if you need more cigarette lighter sockets? Magellan’s three way car adaptor let’s you use three times the electronics. It even has 12V and 24V DC power capability and a fuse protection for added safety.

The 110 Watt adaptor runs just under $40 and the three way adaptor costs just under $15.

Author: Diana Kostigen, Marketing/Public Relations Director, Comtec